When the Union Salutes a Patriot: RATTAWU Honours NAGAFF’s Ezisi, and the Message Runs Deeper Than the Award

It was not just another awards night in Lagos. On Monday, the glittering halls of the Oriental Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, played host to an event that fused labour advocacy, democratic reflection, and a genuine moment of recognition. The Radio, Television, Theatre and Art Workers’ Union (RATTAWU) convened its Safe Democracy Summit and Golden Honours under a weighty theme — “Electoral Integrity in an AI Era: The Role of Responsible Media and Culture in Safeguarding Democracy.” But before the serious conversations on AI and elections could take centre stage, the room turned its attention to a man whose life’s work has been about moving things — goods, services, and people’s lives — forward.

High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, National President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), walked away with the Golden Era Pillar of Logistics Excellence, Purposeful Entrepreneur, Philanthropy and National Development Award. The title is as expansive as the man’s reach, a title that is given once in 50 years,

Ezisi is More Than a Logistics Man

Here’s what makes this recognition noteworthy: RATTAWU is not a maritime union. It represents media and cultural workers. So when a union of broadcasters, journalists, and theatre practitioners chooses to honour a freight forwarding leader, the message is clear — Ezisi’s impact has spilt far beyond the ports and cargo holds where his professional reputation was built.

Speaking at the event, RATTAWU National President Prince Emeka Kalu put it plainly: Ezisi is a philanthropist and community leader whose work in logistics, entrepreneurship, and national development has touched many lives. “Society must celebrate people who stand out through diligence and selfless service,” Kalu said, restating the union’s resolve to protect the oppressed and give voice to the voiceless.

The room was heavy with heavyweights. Representatives of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the Minister of Labour and Employment were present. Dr Ike Neliaku, National President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), chaired the event. The keynote was delivered by Prof. Rotimi Williams Olatunji, President of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN). Traditional rulers, industry captains, and the founder of NAGAFF himself, Dr Boniface Aniebonam, all graced the occasion.

Perhaps the most striking imagery of the evening came from Dr Suleiman Haruna, Director of Public Relations and Protocol at the Ministry of Information. Speaking on behalf of the Minister, Haruna said his team’s findings on Ezisi’s background painted a picture of a man widely respected for his contributions to humanity. He compared the NAGAFF President to “a mighty river that irrigates lands and people” — a poetic nod to the quiet, sustaining force of genuine generosity.

That sentiment was echoed by the Chairman of the NAGAFF Board of Trustees, Mr Chidiebere Enelamah, and National Vice President Princess Chi Ezeh, who both praised Ezisi as a compassionate and visionary leader. Enelamah took a moment to acknowledge Ezisi’s wife, calling her the backbone of his success — a reminder that behind every public figure receiving applause is often a private support system making it possible.

Members of the Imperial Philanthropic Family, a charitable network Ezisi is closely associated with, also weighed in. They noted that his consistent support for humanitarian causes across Nigeria had inspired many to embrace service, urging him to continue the work.

“One of the High Points of My Life”

When Ezisi stepped up to speak, the emotion was palpable. He thanked God, his family, friends, and supporters for standing by him. He gave special acknowledgement to Dr Boniface Aniebonam for the opportunity to serve within NAGAFF. And he thanked RATTAWU for seeing fit to recognise his efforts.

But he didn’t stop at gratitude. Ezisi pledged to continue supporting the union and to remain available for initiatives that move the needle on national development. He described the award as one of the high points of his life, but the commitment that followed suggested he sees it not as a destination, but as fuel for the road ahead.

In a country where awards are often handed out like business cards, the Ezisi-RATTAWU connection stands out for its cross-sector sincerity. A media union honouring a logistics leader speaks to the kind of bridge-building Nigeria needs more of — where industries recognise that progress is not siloed, and that a man who moves cargo efficiently can also move communities forward.

The summit’s theme — electoral integrity in the age of artificial intelligence — might have seemed unrelated to freight forwarding on the surface. But perhaps the connection is simpler than it appears. Whether you’re transporting goods across borders or transporting information across airwaves, integrity is what makes the system hold. And that, in the end, was what Monday was really about.

As Ezisi returns to his duties at the helm of NAGAFF, he carries with him an award that is not just a plaque on a wall, but a challenge — to keep being that mighty river. That he has always been,